(Poorly planned if more people want to go but can't because they picked too small of a venue)

Let me assure you that there were a LOT more considerations than size of venue. We might have been able to get a bigger place, but not be allowed to bring in beer. What good would that do? Or if the room rates were twice as much? There's a lot that goes into selecting a conference venue and I assure you that this is the best place we could find, all things considered.

Let me assure you that there were a LOT more considerations than size of venue. We might have been able to get a bigger place, but not be allowed to bring in beer. What good would that do? Or if the room rates were twice as much? There's a lot that goes into selecting a conference venue and I assure you that this is the best place we could find, all things considered.

I couldn't imagine the headaches associated with putting something like this together and applaud the AHA for even trying. This is going to be awesome!!!!

They have my thanks. That is a big undertaking. Why doesn't AHA do all the work given they get the dues and my have more resources.

Lots of reasons....the local people are more in tune with venues and activities. Gives the local clubs a chance to (hopefully) raise some $$ by putting on pre conference events. AHA dues don't really go toward the conference. But the conference does have AHA oversight and the AHA is the one that signs the contracts.